Page 72 of Attempted Compromises
Impressed by her poise and eager to see if Mr. Gardiner was more like his wife or his sister, Darcy accepted the invitation to remain, taking a seat on the other side of the room.
Mrs. Gardiner motioned to a chair opposite her. “While we await my husband,” she said, “perhaps you might indulge my curiosity. Are you by chance related to the Darcys of Pemberley?”
Darcy’s lips twitched slightly, and he braced himself for what he knew must be coming next. “I am,” he replied shortly. “Pemberley is my estate.”
To his surprise, her expression shifted to one of fond nostalgia rather than awe. “How extraordinary,” she said with a smile. “I grew up in Lambton, you see, the daughter of the rector. Pemberley plays a large part of my earliest memories. It is truly a remarkable place.”
Darcy’s brows lifted, caught off guard by her genuine, understated reaction. “Indeed?” he said. “Lambton is but a few miles from the estate. You must have known it well.”
“I did,” she replied. “Though it has been many years since I last visited. My family left when I was quite young.” There was a wistfulness to her tone, but she quickly turned the conversation back to him. “My niece writes highly of you, sir. It seems you have done much to assist her in a most trying time. Please accept my felicitations on your engagement.”
Darcy cleared his throat, uncomfortable with the praise. “I have only done what was necessary,” he said. “Miss Elizabeth’s well-being is paramount.”
Mrs. Gardiner studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before she nodded. “Elizabeth is very dear to us. My husband and I regard her almost as one of our own.”
The warmth in her words struck him. He had not anticipated such a strong bond between Elizabeth and her aunt. Before Darcy could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps drew their attention. A solidly built man entered, walking with an air ofcalm authority. His clothing was well-tailored but practical, and his expression was amiable as he approached. “Madeline, my dear, I came as soon as I read Lizzy’s note.”
“Edward,” Mrs. Gardiner said, rising to greet him. “This is Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s betrothed. He brought her letter personally.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner extended his hand. “I apologize for keeping you waiting after you have traveled for such a considerable distance. It is very good of you to bring our niece’s note personally when you must have much to attend to.”
Darcy rose to his feet and shook Mr. Gardiner’s proffered hand. “Not at all, sir,” he replied. “It is I who am imposing upon you. Miss Elizabeth has been through quite the ordeal, and it will give her comfort to know that you have received her note.”
Mr. Gardiner looked at him thoughtfully. “Of course,” he said. “I understand congratulations are in order?”
“Yes, they are,” Darcy paused, then hesitantly added, “I am not certain what Miss Elizabeth wrote in her letter, but we are to be married as quickly as possible.”
“She said that she had been attacked by a member of the militia while at the estate where you were visiting your friend.” At Darcy’s nod of confirmation, Mr. Gardiner continued, “Apparently, there are rumors that you are the culprit of the attack, but she assures us that is not the case.”
“Absolutely not,” Darcy said fervently. “Indeed, my sister, my son, and my servants can all attest to the fact that I have never laid a hand on another person in my life.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Mrs. Gardiner interjected. “It is very good of you to marry my niece when you have done nothing.”
He shifted uncomfortably. “Miss Elizabeth is an estimable woman; I feel fortunate in my future wife. Indeed, I have come to London with Mr. Bingley— the gentleman to whom your other niece will be wed— in order to draw up the marriage articles and secure common licenses. The nature of the rumors is such that haste is imperative.”
“That is very good of you,” Mrs. Gardiner repeated.
“I do nothing more than my duty,” Darcy demurred. “I should, however, be on my way. There is still much to do.”
Nodding in understanding, Mrs. Gardiner nodded to a maid to collect Darcy’s hat and coat. As he began to walk away from the surprisingly poised couple to follow the servant, Darcy turned back to them and impulsively said, “Mr. Gardiner, I will be meeting with my solicitors tomorrow morning. Would you care to accompany me? I would appreciate your opinion on the settlements and other details, if you are available.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Mr. Gardiner replied, the surprise he felt evident upon his face.
“That is very generous,” Mrs. Gardiner added. “I, for one, am very grateful that you are taking our niece’s well-being so seriously, given the circumstances. It greatly relieves my mind. I am only sorry that we will not be able to attend the wedding. Elizabeth means the world to us, and I never thought I would miss it.”
Darcy hesitated, sensing an unspoken worry beneath her words. “You are always welcome at Pemberley,” he said quietly. “Or at Darcy House, should you wish to visit her in London.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s relief was palpable. “Thank you, sir,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “That means more to us than I can express.”
The depth of their love for Elizabeth was evident, as well as their fear that her marriage might take her away from them. It struck him then just how much Elizabeth was risking by marrying him. She was placing herself entirely in his power, trusting him to honor her and her family despite their differences in station.
As he took his leave, Darcy resolved anew to make that trust worthwhile. Whatever Elizabeth’s feelings for him might be, he would ensure her happiness to the best of his ability. It was the least she deserved.
Elizabeth is placing her life in my hands,he thought.I will do all in my power to ensure her happiness.
With that vow echoing in his heart, Darcy stepped into the waiting carriage, his purpose clearer than ever.
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